Turkish Airlines has launched scheduled flights between Istanbul and Chengdu, making the western Chinese city its fourth destination in mainland China after Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, the airline said in a press release.

The airline will operate three weekly flights from Istanbul on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Return flights from Chengdu will run on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The service uses Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and flies to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, according to the release.

Flight TK 226 began on November 11 and departs Istanbul Airport at 02:05, arriving in Chengdu at 15:40. TK 227 began on November 12 and leaves Chengdu at 00:45, arriving in Istanbul at 05:55. All times are local.

“China holds a strategically important position among Turkish Airlines’ key markets,” said Prof Murat Şeker, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee. He said the airline was “further strengthening our flight network in the country” and expected the route to contribute to the growth of commercial, cultural, and tourism ties between Türkiye and China.

The airline described Chengdu as home to more than 21 million people and a hub for trade, logistics, and finance. It said multinational companies there operate in sectors such as electronics, automotive, aviation, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence. It also noted that UNESCO recognises the city as a City of Gastronomy and that it hosts the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

The route gives Chengdu a direct link to Türkiye and to Turkish Airlines’ global network, the airline said.

To mark the launch, the airline is offering fares from USD 540 for travel between Istanbul and Chengdu. Fares are available on its official website and may vary at sales offices and travel agencies. More information is available at www.turkishairlines.com, on 444 0 849 or at any Turkish Airlines sales office.

Source: PR